Youth Survey 2025
Summary
In 2025, over 17,000 young people aged 14-19 participated in the Mission Australia Youth Survey, offering a powerful snapshot of their experiences, challenges and hopes for the future.
The most important issue in Australia today for young people continued to be the cost of living - mentioned by 64% of respondents. Concern about cost of living has doubled over the past two years and, in 2025, reached the highest level recorded for any issue since the question was first asked in 2010. Mental health (29%), climate change and the environment (27%) and housing and homelessness (25%) also ranked highly as national concerns.
Despite these challenges, young people expressed strong hopes for the future, with career goals, meaningful relationships and financial stability topping their aspirations. While many reported positive views about themselves and their lives, concerns about mental health, financial stress and discrimination persist.
The findings highlight the complex realities facing young people and the importance of creating a future where every young person feels supported, included and empowered to reach their potential.
Key Stats
- Most important issue in Australia today - Cost of living 64%
- The top 4 national issues were: Cost of living (64%), mental health (29%), climate change and the environment (27%) and housing and homelessness (25%)
- Finances: 19% agreed that my family are often stressed about money
- Wellbeing: 39% reported stress related to their mental health and wellbeing; 19% scored in the high psychological distress range
- School: 62% agreed they like their school; school or study problems were the most commonly reported source of stress in the past year
- Support and connectedness: 75% had someone to turn to when unsure about important decisions
- Hopes for the future: most commonly employment and career goals 59%, followed by family, relationships and connections 46%